aLIve with Music
Join Music for People and Sound Artist Facilitators for a boundless weekend of musical self expression. Whether you're a seasoned musician or someone feeling called to express themselves through music, everyone is welcome! Ignite your passion for music and leave inspired and renewed! Unleash your musical potential in this transformative and inclusive community where creativity knows no bounds.
MUSICAL interactionS, conversationS, active listening, soloING and supportING
You're invited to aLIve With Music
Most of us learned music the traditional way—reading notes, placing fingers just right, and playing pieces written by others. While this can create beautiful music, it often leaves little room for personal expression.
But music can be something more. It can be a shared experience—a group agreement. Just like singing "Happy Birthday" together, we can join a steady beat, hold a note, or take turns responding to each other in a musical conversation.
At our 1 or 2 Day Creative Music-Making Event, you'll explore the joy of spontaneous, interactive music. Whether you call it improvising, jamming, or simply having a musical party, we’ll guide you in using what you already know to create music in the moment.
No formal training required—whether you're a seasoned pro, or a complete beginner, we will discover how all people can create music, with just a willingness to take the first step. Come discover the music that's already inside you, and already inside us all!
Join us for aLIve With Music this Spring
Program Dates | May 31st & June 1st
Times |10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Location | Sound Artist Music & Handpan School
Access to World-Class Instruments and Facilities
Experience the best in musical resources. Our event offers access to top-tier instruments and state-of-the-art facilities, ensuring you have everything you need to explore your creativity in a professional setting.
Perfect for Music Educators, Music Therapists, and Drum Circle Facilitators
This event is tailored for professionals looking to enhance their skills and inspire their students or clients. Whether you're teaching, leading therapeutic sessions, or facilitating group music-making, you’ll gain valuable tools and insights to enrich your practice.
Perfect for Beginners and Those Exploring Their Creativity
Whether you're new to music or looking to deepen your creative expression, this event offers a welcoming space for all to explore and grow.
aLIve with Music
Join Us for an All-Day Creative Music-Making Event!
Step into a world of self-expression and musical discovery. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a complete beginner, this immersive event is designed to help you connect with your creativity and unlock your unique musical voice.
Saturday Ticket – Dive into a day of fun, interactive activities focused on exploring music in a supportive, relaxed environment. Perfect for those looking to start their musical journey or reconnect with their creative side.
Sunday Ticket – Designed for those looking to deepen their skills in group music-making, this day will focus on learning how to lead collaborations and creatively collaborate within a group. Whether you're facilitating or participating, you'll gain valuable tools for guiding and enhancing collective musical experiences.
Full Weekend Ticket – Experience the complete transformative journey! Get both Saturday and Sunday access for an unforgettable weekend filled with music-making, personal growth, and community connection.
Come as you are, and leave with new skills, insights, and a renewed sense of creativity. Don’t miss out—reserve your spot today!
Meet our team of world class music facilitators
Mary Knysh
Mary E Knysh is the founder of Rhythmic Connections (www.music4wellness.com), advancing education, health, and creative development through drum circles and music improvisation. She is a workshop facilitator, trainer, and consultant specializing in using music for personal and organizational transformation, creativity, leadership, and non-verbal communication. Mary is a professional musician, recording artist, and international author. She is a facilitator/trainer for Music for People, an Orff Schulwerk clinician, and an international teaching artist. Mary conducts music improvisation facilitator trainings, performances, and workshops across the United States and internationally. She is an endorsee for Rhythm Band Instruments, TOCA percussion, and Peripole Music.
Prana Rising
Prana Rising, the founder of Sound Artist Music & Handpan School, is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of music.
With a deep reverence for the healing properties of sound and a background in music education, Prana brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the handpan community.
Inspired by the handpan's ethereal melodies and soul-stirring resonance, Prana embarked on a journey to share this magical instrument with the world. Through Sound Artist Handpan School, Prana seeks to create a nurturing space where individuals can discover their musical potential, connect with their inner creativity, and embark on a journey of self-discovery.
With a commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, Prana empowers students to explore the limitless possibilities of music, both as a form of expression and as a tool for personal growth and healing.
Tracy Hamilton
Rev. Tracy “DoununMama” Hamilton is a musician, composer, “Rhythm Coach”, drum circle facilitator, recording artist and Interfaith Minister who has been exploring music, rhythm and improvisation since her youth. She walks the balance between music and Spirit, loves to hold sacred space for others and share the joy of drumming. If you are looking to find or expand your “Rhythmic Voice”, feel free to contact her atrevtracyhamilton@gmail.com
Jim Oshinsky
James Oshinsky has been involved with Music for People since its founding in the 1980s. He is the author of several books documenting the MfP approach to music improvisation. The most recent book, Simple and Daring, presents the parallels between group music improvisation and the principles of Social Emotional Learning. It also contains the favorite teaching sequences of master facilitator Mary Knysh, as well as dozens of ways teachers can enhance band, orchestra and chorus practice by incorporating improvisation. Jim is also the author of MfP’s main curriculum book, Return to Child, and a game version of improvisation activities, the Music Doctor Improv Cards. He maintains a library of improvisation education resources which are available to teachers by request. He can be reached at www.tinyurl.com/musicdr
